CAPE TOWN - Formerly suspended Koeberg Nuclear Power Station general manager Velaphi Ntuli has been redeployed to the vacant position of general manager of Coal and Clean Technology at Megawatt Park in Sandton.
Eskom on Wednesday confirmed Ntuli’s redeployment to the Cape Times, saying it was effective from October 1.
Koeberg Chief Nuclear Officer, Riedewaan Bakardien, currently holds the position of general manager.
Ntuli, who some say was made a scapegoat for the utility’s issues at the nuclear station, was suspended in June when the country was hit by blackouts.
Eskom at the time said one of its biggest generating units with a capacity of 900MW, Koeberg Unit 1, had been out of commission since January, and could have assisted in reducing the depth of power cuts if it had been brought back on time as originally planned.
In August, Eskom said the disciplinary process was under way following Ntuli’s suspension and could not comment further.
“Ntuli was suspended as General Manager of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station on June 4 2021. Following relevant internal HR processes, and in agreement with Mr Ntuli, he was redeployed to the vacant position of GM Coal and Clean Technology at Megawatt Park. Eskom looks forward to Mr Ntuli’s contribution in his new role,” Eskom said on Wednesday.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Western Cape Shop steward Phumzile Mvovo said while Ntuli was not a union member, he had been represented by a NUM member in the disciplinary process.
He said Ntuli was moved to Megawatt Park after Eskom did not follow proper procedures in taking action against him.
He added there was a continuous attempt by high ranking Eskom officials to “purge black leaders” within the company, citing poor performance issues.
“We have seen 12 black managers purged and a number of white Eskom employees replacing them,” Mvovo said.
He added the alleged attack on black managers was a serious reversal of transformation gains hard fought for.
Cape Times